Mae Elisabeth (Rusche) Verch, age 107, of Huron, passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at the Huron Regional Medical Center.

A service to celebrate her beautiful life was held at 1:30 PM, Saturday, October 23rd, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, of rural Iroquois. Burial followed in the church's cemetery. Watch Mae's funeral service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Iroquois or StoneyBrook Suites of Huron.

Mae Elisabeth was born on March 8, 1914, on the family farm northeast of Bancroft, South Dakota to Henry and Ada (Haufchild) Rusche. She was the 2nd oldest of eight brothers and sisters. Mae attended a country grade school 1 ½ miles from the family farm, after which, she attended Bancroft High School, graduating in 1931.

She stayed on the family farm for one year after graduation. While at home, Mae took on many duties. A favorite was cutting the hair of her siblings. Her five brothers preferred Mae' haircuts over the typical "soup bowl" cut.

Mae attended Eastern Normal School in Madison from 1932-33, graduating with a teaching certificate. She taught grades 1-8 in three local country grade school.

On August 16, 1939, Mae married Carl G. Verch. Carl and Mae lived and farmed in the Cavour area for over 50 years. Carl and Mae had four children, and their family has expanded to include eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Mae would recall fond memories of growing up on the homestead. "There were fruit trees planted and in the summer time we could go get something to eat — cherries, plums and, of course, there were apple trees. We had a Shetland pony, after a few years went by we got a bigger horse to ride." At 105-years-old, Mae shared some things that she had learned over the years that led to her ways and means of approaching life, "I eat wholesome food, try to get enough sleep and exercise, and I say my prayers every night."

Carl and Mae moved from the family farm to Huron in 1998. In 2007, Mae moved into StoneyBrook, where she lived for 14 years, and appreciated the kindness and care from all the staff and residents.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ada Rusche; beloved husband, Carl; four brothers, William, Edmond, Harold and Arnold; two sisters, Ruth Poppen and Doris Rabenberg; and a son, Dennis Verch.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her children, Donna Dickson of Cavour, Gail Marshall of Aberdeen and Jean (Vern) Juran of Rapid City; grandchildren, Ken (Kerry) Dickson of Cavour, Kurt (Jann) Dickson of Cavour, Karen Benson of Arizona, Linn (Stephanie) Dickson of Cavour, Kristine (Peter) Vargus of Arizona, Daniel Verch of Nebraska, Lee (Chandra) Marshall of Minnesota and Jennifer DeBates of Colorado; 18 great grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Allen (Arlene) Rusche of Minnesota; many nieces, nephews; and a cousin, Dorothy Streeter.

View Mae's Floral Arrangements